Elephants aren’t attractions. They’re intelligent, emotional individuals with memories, relationships, and the right to live free.

In the wild, elephants live in close families. Matriarchs lead herds through knowledge, not dominance. They remember migration routes, water sources, and danger. Females stay with their mothers for life. Males form lasting bonds in bachelor groups and stay socially connected.

They grieve their dead, revisit bones, and comfort each other. Each one has preferences - favourite foods, activities, and friends. They communicate through low-frequency rumbles, felt through the ground across miles. Their lives are rich with meaning, connection, and choice.

And what have we done?

We take them from their homes, tear them from family, and force them into submission through fear and pain. We chain them in zoos, use them in circuses, and turn them into props for tourist selfies. We call this “education,” “conservation,” or “tradition.”

Captive elephants suffer. Their bodies break down. Their minds deteriorate. They sway and rock from stress. They die young. What we call care is control. What we call protection is imprisonment.

Elephant Rides

Elephants used in tourism aren’t willing participants – they’re victims. Behind every ride, bath, or photo is a history of violence. Baby elephants are torn from their mothers, tied down, beaten, and stabbed with bullhooks to break their spirits. This abuse continues throughout their lives as they're chained, forced to carry tourists in extreme heat, and denied everything that makes life worth living. Many die far short of their natural lifespans. Tourists are often misled by so-called “sanctuaries” or “ethical” attractions, but any activity that involves touching or riding elephants is built on exploitation. It’s not just cruel – it’s dangerous. Captive elephants have injured and killed people, and diseases like tuberculosis can pass from elephant to human. If you care about elephants, never ride them, feed them, or pose with them.

Respect means leaving them alone.

The UK Ivory Act 2018

The UK Ivory Act was a vital step, but loopholes still allow illegal ivory to slip through. We urge the UK government to strengthen enforcement by requiring solid proof of provenance for all exempt items, applying tougher penalties for violations, and holding auction houses accountable for illegal sales. Without these changes, the law’s deterrent effect is weakened and ivory continues to circulate. To truly protect elephants and uphold the intent of the ban, the UK must close these gaps and make it clear: ivory has no place in trade, collections, or commerce.

The Hunting Trophies Bill

The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill is a Private Member's Bill introduced by Conservative MP David Reed, aiming to prohibit the import of hunting trophies into Great Britain. The bill is scheduled for its Second Reading in the House of Commons on Friday, June 13, 2025. This legislation seeks to fulfill the government's commitment to ban the import of hunting trophies from endangered animals.

If the bill fails to progress, we are committed to continuing the push for this crucial legislation, including launching a public petition to demonstrate widespread support for ending the import of hunting trophies. 

Ending Elephant Captivity in the UK

Elephants are highly intelligent, social beings with complex needs that captivity can never meet. Yet across the UK, elephants remain confined in zoos where space is limited, natural behaviours are restricted, and psychological distress is common. We urge the UK government to take meaningful action by banning the keeping, breeding, and acquisition of elephants in captivity. This would allow existing individuals to live out their lives without replacement and signal a firm commitment to phasing out outdated practices.

Elephants don’t belong behind barriers - they have the right to freedom.